Indigenous Knowledge

A conference where several speakers discuss the role of elders in educating young people and the loss of respect for the elders in modern Indian society. Transcribed by Joanne Greenwood.

A conference where elders discuss the philosophy and practice of traditional medicine. Stress role of elders in passing on this tradition. Transcribed by Joanne Greenwood.

A conference discussing Indian and Christian creation myths, reflections on education and religion, comparison of Indian and non-Indian values, and the loss of traditional values and beliefs and the movement to recover them.

Elders discuss: loss of values; loss of language; the role of the old ceremonies; the responsibility of the elders to teach the young people.

Elders discuss the loss of traditional religion and values; the relationship between traditional religions and Christianreligions; some stories of the creation and the flood.

A conference about prophecies and the recovery of traditional values, the role of Elders in the community, and the philosophy and practice of traditional medicine.

A discussion about the construction of log and birch canoes ; the tuberculosis epidemic ; the effects of non-Indians on Indian life style : spiritual values, hunting; fishing; land use, etc.

Elders stress the importance of tradition and, in particular, the religious and medical traditions of the Indian people.Accounts of two visits to the world of the dead.

A discussion of Cree funeral songs. Includes a story of a woman's vision of the afterlife.

Return to traditional ceremonies ; traditional vs. non-Indian education ; story of a trickster (Woojy Panaquad) ; electoral attitudes and responsibilities.

Talks about the traditional teacher in the University setting ; proposal for friendship ceremony between Iroquois and Ojibway ; the Iroquois confederacy ; Kootenay plains initiative to return to traditional lifestyles ; reflections on past and future wars ; and the importance of elders in recovery of traditional values.

The role of education in the loss of spiritual and cultural values ; evidence of previous and planned oppression by non-Indians ; revival of interest in traditional values and the role ofelders as a source of knowledge.

With increasing interest in traditional culture, the Elders are becoming teachers ; speeches of thanks to organizers and participants.

The video, titled 1992 Elders Conference: Moose Hide Preparation and Birch Bark Basket Making (Cree Version), records these two activities at the elders gathering. Camera by Harry Opekokew and Allan Adam, Cree translator Abel Charles, post production by Sam Hardlotte.

Historical note:

A video produced in 1994 by Saskatchewan Education, Training and Employment, Northern Education Services Branch and Pahkisimon Nuye?ah Library System recording parts of the 1992 Elders Conference north of La Ronge.

Paper given at the Sharing the Land, Sharing a Future: Realizing the Promise, Facing the Challenge of Reconciliation" Forum, dialog and conference marking the 20th anniversary of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, November 2-3, 2016.

A YouTube playlist of 21 videos of conference presenters and panels from the summit.

Submissions from Indigenous peoples and local knowledge holders in a variety of formats.

Follows Sébastien Aubin on a path to learning traditional Aboriginal medicine from Mark Thompson, a healer. Duration: 18:01.

Summarizes the knowledge, wisdom and spirit shared at a conference held in Suquamish Nation, Washington State.

Final report of three-year research project. Looks at what needs to be protected and what is offered for marine protection by the federal government.

Book review of: Dancing On Our Turtle's Back by L. Simpson.

This brief article summarizes the documentary film by the same title; the project interviews Rwandan women who are using Indigenous knowledges and practices in combination with modern technologies to create income for themselves through the production of banana wine, sorghum beer, soured or fermented milk, or through the cultivation of Indigenous vegetables.

This documentary film interviews Rwandan women who are using Indigenous knowledges and practices in combination with modern technologies to create income for themselves through the production of banana wine, sorghum beer, soured or fermented milk, or through the cultivation of Indigenous vegetables. The film is accompanied by a brief article.

Project involves studying medicinal plants from Aboriginal traditional pharmacopeia. Recommends protocols for researchers when making partnerships and personal relationships with Aboriginal people.

Description of Aboriginal Arts & Stories, a creative writing competition inviting Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth ages 9-29 to present an aspect of their culture.

Uses comparative methodology to look at children's picture books and unique features highlighting the combining of oral and written traditions.

Looks at the need for quality daycare and environments in which Aboriginal children do well.

Discusses concerns about social science research, by examing two different paradigms, using the quantitative research method and qualitative participatory research method.

Discusses organization, policies, employment and training, Aboriginal business development, forest stewardship, and relationships with communities.

Explains environmental assessment, how Aboriginal consultation is integrated into federal environmental assessment and assesses the impact on Aboriginal rights.

Looks at a plan of action to strengthen the Aboriginal tourism industry and to tackle concerns with the goal of developing a comprehensive “Blueprint” for Aboriginal cultural tourism development over the short, medium and long-term.

Discusses how to use storytelling and talking circles to facilitate sharing traditional knowledge among knowledge holders, their communities and emergency managers about community strengths, past emergencies, existing risks, and wise practices.

Looks at the social, economic and environmental factors as benchmarks for success and considers what might be added in terms of values and practices. [One or more images have been omitted from this article due to copyright restrictions. These images are accessible in the print version of this journal.]

Discusses successful partnerships in five areas: investment and ownership, employment, procurement, community development, and assessment of environmental impacts.

Book review of: Aboriginal Education in Canada: A Plea for Integration by John W. and Virginia Friesen.

Looks at the colonization and assimilation of Aboriginal peoples in the education system; and discusses the problems, prospects, and future direction of Aboriginal learning in Canada.

Reprint two articles, one published in 1985 entitled: Indian Education: Past, Present and Future and a second published in 1998: Our Peoples' Education: Cut the Shackles, Cut the Crap and Cut the Mustard.

Examines developing Aboriginal perspectives in education studies and integration within teaching responsibilities.

Looks at a research study in which teachers integrate stories, with critical analysis, in order to illustrate how multi-competences, that heritage languages can provide, benefit Aboriginal students' academic success.

Discusses the impact of aboriginal empowerment on forestry activities and how it derives from differences between dominant values in Canadian society and those of most aboriginal peoples.

Looks at factors influencing knowledge transfer and exchange, development of relationships, integration of research with tradition, and influences on research utilization.

Examines three case studies, Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan, Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia, to address the costs and benefits of protected areas to Aboriginal Peoples, and highlight management practices.

Discusses culturally appropriate objectives for literacy projects aimed to address the gap in programs and resources.

Looks at the legal and regulatory basis of forest management, and assess how new tenure systems might be developed that would uphold traditional values while providing economic and employment opportunities.

Looks at Aboriginal forestry in Canada and the driving forces behind advancement.

Looks at strategies of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal loggers; examines the historical context behind the confusion and conflict seen in the Aboriginal forestry practices of one First Nation community; and offers recommendations for Aboriginal forestry policy in New Brunswick.

Resource tool provides a range of culturally sensitive services available to Aboriginal clients.

Examines a targeted intervention program aimed at enhancing self confidence, social connections and participation during secondary school.